A multi-axis rotation control ankle brace, wherein the direction and magnitude of force can be controlled around three axes of the ankle joint through an adjustable tensioning apparatus. The device may be applied to address conditions such as chronic ankle instability, foot drop, or osteoarthritis by providing such forces around the joint as an external-muscle tendon system to improve function, reduce pain, or restore mobility of the user. While more are contemplated herein, five preferred embodiments are specifically disclosed in the current application. Three preferred embodiments comprise a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the proximal portion is anchored above the ankle joint and houses, in aspects, the adjustment mechanism. The proximal portion is connected to the distal portion by tensioning or compressive elements, through which forces can be controlled by the user via the adjustment mechanism. In other preferred embodiments, the device is comprised of one continuous mesh, sock or sleeve through which tension can be controlled by the user. In other preferred embodiments, the device is personalized to the user through multiple aspects including user-enabled adjustment of forces around the joint. The device may be customized by 3D printing a device based on a digital scan, and therefore conforms to the user's ankle and foot.

A walking assistance apparatus includes stimulus applying means for applying a stimulus to a leg part on which a walking assistance apparatus is mounted and state detection means for detecting a supporting leg condition and a lifted leg condition of the leg part on which the walking assistance apparatus is mounted. The stimulus applying means applies a first stimulus to the leg part when the state detection means has detected that the leg part on which the walking assistance apparatus is mounted is in the lifted leg condition, and the stimulus applying means does not apply a stimulus to the leg part or applies a second stimulus that is weaker than the first stimulus when the state detection means has detected that the leg part on which the walking assistance apparatus is mounted is in the supporting leg condition.

A system for patient rehabilitation is disclosed. The system includes a first movable frame including an articulating bed, wherein the bed is configured to be selectively articulated to an inclined position, a suspension system, wherein the suspension system is disposed within the articulating bed and is selectively adjustable to accommodate varying patient height, a harness, wherein the harness is selectively engageable with the suspension system, wherein the harness is selectively adjustable to accommodate varying patient sizes, a second movable frame including a walker, wherein the walker includes a pair of legs and a motor, wherein approximation of the two movable frames permits the patient to easily utilize the walker from the bed. A method of using the system for patient rehabilitation is also disclosed.

A trunk supporting exoskeleton comprises: a supporting trunk; thigh links configured to move in unison with a person's thighs; and first and second torque generators located on both left and right halves of the person substantially close to the person's hip. The torque generators couple the supporting trunk to the thigh links, and generate torque between the thigh links and the supporting trunk. When the person bends forward such that a predetermined portion of the supporting trunk passes beyond a predetermined angle from vertical, a torque generator(s) imposes a resisting torque between the supporting trunk and the thigh link(s), causing the supporting trunk to impose a force against the person's trunk, and the thigh link(s) to impose a force onto the person's thigh. When the predetermined portion does not pass beyond the predetermined angle, the torque generators impose no resisting torques between said supporting trunk and respective thigh links.

A walk training apparatus includes a walking assist device, a first tensile portion, and a second tensile portion. The walking assist device is configured to be attached to a leg of a user so as to assist the user in walking. The first tensile portion pulls at least one of the walking assist device and the leg of the user toward a vertically upper side and toward a front side. The second tensile portion pulls at least one of the walking assist device and the leg of the user toward the vertically upper side and toward a rear side.

A mobility assistance apparatus includes first and second frames positioned on left and right sides of a user; a hinge arm mechanism coupled to the first and second frames; and a securing unit or a walking seat coupled to the frames to transfer at least a portion of the user's body weight from the legs and to transfer weight through the user's hip or pelvis to the first and second frame enabling the user to stand or work for an extended period without requiring the user's arms to hold the frame.

A movement assistance device includes: a back plate that is fitted onto the back of a wearer; a back frame that has an elongated shape and is supported by a rotating shaft fixed to the back plate so as to be rotatable in a plane parallel to the back plate; a side frame that is rotatably supported by a rotating shaft fixed to the back frame and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the back frame and extends from the back frame toward the vicinity of the side waist of the wearer; a thigh holding portion that is fitted onto the anterior thigh of the wearer; and a drive portion that is connected to each of the side frame and the thigh holding portion and generates force that increases the angle between the side frame and the thigh holding portion.

The present invention relates to a method for training of neuromuscular functions using a gait trainer comprising an electrical motor, a weight sensor and a cable and a gait trainer therefore.

The method may comprise an act of determining a counterbalance weight to be applied to the cable by the electrical motor and an act of measuring with the weight sensor an actual applied weight to the cable by the patient, wherein a drive direction of the electrical motor is determined based on comparing the counterbalance weight with the measuring of the actual applied weight to the cable by the patient.

The gait trainer may comprise a hoist system with a rotatable cable drum and a cable to wind or rewind the cable around a rotatable cable drum in accordance with the drive direction set, based on the compared counterbalance weight with the measuring of the actual applied weight to the cable by the patient.

The gait trainer may further comprise an electrical motor adapted for axial engagement with the rotatable cable drum and adapted to drive the rotatable cable drum in a drive direction. The gait trainer may further comprise a weight sensor, a control unit, a processor and a motor controller.

The hoist system may be freely suspended by the weight sensor.

An apparatus is disclosed comprising an upper frame and a lower frame together connected by at least one lifting means, wherein the lower frame comprises two sidebars connected at opposite ends of a lower crossbar to form a “U” shape, wherein the upper frame comprises two handrails, each having a free end and an attachment end, wherein the attachment end of each handrail is rotatably connected to an upper crossbar, and the lifting means are disposed between the lower crossbar and upper crossbar such that the upper frame experiences a force exerted by the lifting means when the handrails parallel to a plane formed by the lower frame. In another embodiment, the apparatus is a walker having a harness in removable communication with the handrails.

A trolley for use with a fall arrest system, the trolley providing active control of both downward movement of a body attached to a rope or cable and horizontal position along a track.